Farm-gate.



Z. P. JONES.

FARM GATE.

APPLICATION man AUG. I3. 1914.

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Patented Aug. 10, 1915. Q

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Z. F. JONES.

FARM GATE.

APPLICATION nun AUG- I3, 1914.

1 9i um mm mm 6 l m m .a Di fi w J r w A W 9 4 1 ZACI-IARIAH F. JONES, OF SGOTTSVILLE, VIRGINIA.

FARM-GATE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 10, 1915.

Application filed August 13, 1914. Serial No. 856,610.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ZACHARIAH F. J ONES, a citizen of the United States, residing at Scottsville, in the county of Albemarle and State of Virginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Farm-Gates; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in farm gates and the primary object of the invention is to provide an improved device of this character which may be readily opened and closed from either side of the gate opening by one seated in a vehicle.

A further object of the invention resides in providing a gate of the up-lift type with improved fixtures therefor to brace the gate and positively retain the same in alinement with the outer abutting post and at the same time permit the gate to be so disposed when opened as to give the maximum gate-way space.

A still further object of the invention resides in providing gate fixtures which are capable of adjustment according to the size and weight of the gate to which the same are applied anda still further object resides in providing a construction which is applicable to gates now in use.

Still another object is to provide an improved structure of the class referred to which is simple and durable in construction, and inexpensive to manufacture and one which will be very efficient in use.

With these and other objects in view my invention consists of the novel features of v aslong as some removable connection 18 pro 'vided but I prefer the clips or clamping construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter referred to and particularly pointed out in the specification and claims.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a'device constructed in accordance with my invention and applied to use; Fig. 2 is an elevation thereof showing the gate member in its raised and inoperative position; Fig. 3 is a horizontal section as seen on line 3-3 of Fig. 4 looking in the direction of the arrows: Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail elevation of the device showing the gate in its lowered and operative posltion; Fig. 5 is a .detail perspective view showing the keeper in connection with the outer stop post; and, Fig. 6 is a fragmentary section asseen on line 6-6 of Fig. 3.

In describing the invention I shall refer to the drawings in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views and in which- 1 and 2 designate a pair of spaced apart hinge posts which are formed of wood, metal, or plastic material (preferably the latter as indicated in the drawings) and disposed laterally some distance therefrom in a plane intermediatethe planes of the .posts 1 and 2 is an outer or stop post 3 which is preferably constructed of the same material of which the posts 1 and 2 are constructed. The space betweenthe posts 1 and 2 and the post 3 forms the gate-way across which my improved gatestructure is adapted to operate.

A gate 4 is provided, the same being constructed of wood or metal, preferably the latter and as stated above, the same is of the up-lift type with an improved fixture for hingedly supporting the same in position. To this end a pair of bracing irons 5 are provided the same being constructed of pipe sections or otherwise as desired and applied to opposite sides of said gate adj acent the inner or hinging end thereof. These bracing irons are applied somewhat diagonally across the gate and are bolted or otherwise removably secured together intermediate of their ends, the upper and outer ends of said irons being bent to extend longitudinally of the upper bars of the gate and clamped together by means of the clip or the like 6. The means of securing these irons together is more or less immaterial,

structure at the upper end as shown in the drawings. As stated above, these bracing irons are applied somewhat diagonally across the faces of the gate but the clamping of the upper ends of said irons to the upper bar or bars of the gate is at a point rearward of the intermediate portion of said gate so as to positively brace the rear end or hingin-g end of said gate which re ceives the greatest strain in the operation thereof. The lower portions of said bracing irons .are clamped against the lower inner corner of the gate proper and from this point said irons are bent outwardlv and downwardly as indicated at 7 to form substantially trunnions thereon.

Cast with the cement or other plastic posts 1 and 2 adjacent their lower ends and extending longitudinally therethrough are the pipe sections 8 which form channel-ways through said posts and disposed through said channel-ways are the eye bolts or the like 9. The shanks of these bolts are threaded for the full portion of their length and engaged therewith on opposite sides of the posts 1 and 2 are the washers 10 and nuts 11. Through this medium it is obvious that the eyes of said bolts may be adjusted with respect to the posts as is found desirable and said eyes form bearings for the trunnions 7 which are, in effect, the outwardly and downwardly bent portions on the lower ends of the bracing irons 5. It is particularly important to note at this time that these trunnions 7 are bent downwardly as well as outwardly so that those portions thereof which are received in the bearings or eyes of the bolts are in a plane below the horizontal plane of the lower bar or bars of the gate, to position the bearings Well under the heel of the gate, thereby causing the gate to work more easily and when swung open, causes the bottom of the gate to extend well back between the posts out of the way. It will be seen from this construction that the irons 5 with their lower outwardly bent por tions forming trunnions, when engaged with the bearings, also act as props or supports for the gate at the same time hingedly con necting the same with the hinge posts. The gate is adapted to swing upwardly and rearwardly between the pair of posts 1 and 2 when disposed to its open position and in order to prevent the trunnions from sliding laterally in the bearings, transverse pins or keys 12 are provided in the outer ends thereof as shown in the drawings.

As referred to in the objects of the invention this fixture is applicable to any size or weight of gate and also applicable to gates now in use and in View of the removble and adjustable connections between the bracing irons 5 and the portions of the gate to which the same are attached, this object of the invention may be readily carried out.

This gate which is adapted to be raised and'lowered has a latch connection at its outer or swinging end with the stop post 3. The inner face of the stop post has a keeper or the like 13 applied thereto the same having a pair of wings 14.- extending outwardly therefrom between which the outer end bar or bars of the gate pass when said gate is lowered, it being of course understood that when the gate is lowered the outer end thereof is spaced a short distance from the post 3. These kings form guides or the like between which the outer bar or bars of the obvious purposes.

post pass in the operation of the gate and the inner edges of said guides are somewhat force the gate either one way or the other this keeper will retain the gate closed and in proper alinement. It will be seen, furthermore, that the gate will not be affected by winds and storms such as is true with many gates of this type. The keeper 18 is also provided with a locking lip or the like 15 which is formed thereon above the wings 14 and a spring latch member 16 is adjustably secured to the outer face of the outer end bar or bars of the gate for cotiperation with said lip. The spring latch member is bent somewhat outwardly and the upper free end of said spring is bent to form an engaging portion proper which when disposed below the locking lip 15, when the gate is lowered, will retain said gate in its lowered and locked po sition. Said gate may not, therefore,be raised until said latch member has been disposed to its inoperative and disengaged position. This form of gate is adapted to be opened and closed on either side of the gate-way by one seated in a vehicle and in carrying out this idea a pair of lever supporting posts 17 are provided, one being disposed on each side of the gateway in alinement with the posts 1 and 2. These posts each are constructed of wood, metal or any other desired material well supported in the ground and extend some distance above the top of the gate, for Actuating levers 18 are fulcrumed intermediate of their ends adjacent the upper ends of said posts and these levers will be described in detail in view of their novel construction. Each lever consists of a pair of pipe sections 19 and 20 the former being of considerably greater length than the latter and each bent intermediate of its ends. One end of each of the pipe sections is connected with a U-shaped union 21 which thus connects the one end of said pipe sections 19 and 20 together and the section 20 is connected at its opposite end with the intermediate portion of the section 19 through the medium of an elbow and T- connection 22. The connection 22 engages the pipe section 1.9 about midway of its ends and the bent portion of the sections 19 and 20 above referred to are such as to form substantially a diamond shaped construction 1which is neat appearing and obviously dura- Engaged with the sections 19 and 20 at the portions thereof most greatly spaced from one another are the ends of a flat bar 23 the latter having a central opening therein to enable the lever to be fulcrumed as indicated at 24L on the upper portion of the post 17. The upper portion of the post has also secured thereto U-shaped guide keepers or the like 25 through which the wide portions of the levers 18 project and it is apparent that these keepers will prevent the levers from being swung laterally in the operation of the device, thus also preventing the disturbing oi' the posts 17 in their anchorage. The outer end portions of said levers 18 which are the continuations of the bars 19 are bent upwardly as indicated at 25 to prevent the same from being engaged with portions of a wagon or the contents thereof, such as hay and grain, as said wagon passes through the gate-way. Flexible connections 27 are engaged with said outer ends of the levers to be readily engaged and actuated by occupants of the vehicles which desire to pass through the gate-way and it will be appreciated that in the event that any object contacts with the outer and upwardly bent ends of said levers said outer ends will be forced upwardly and will not be injured. These levers above referred to are for the purpose of raising and lowering the gate from either side of the gate-way and in carrying out this idea, connecting rods or wires 28 are hooked into engagement with rings or other engaging members carried on the inner ends of said levers 18. Engaged with the lower ends of said connecting rods or wires 28 are the double hook members 30. Adj ustably engaged with the lower portions of the bracing irons 5 are the chains 31 which chains also are engaged at their opposite ends with a clamp-.

ing member 3:2, the latter being adjustably carried on the lower bar or bars of the gate member at. The lower free ends or hook portions of the members 30 are engaged with links of said chains 31, the same being adapted for engagement with various links as are found desirable according to the weight and size of the gate member. These chains are also capable of adjustment as above de scribed and shown in the drawings according to the position of the bracing irons, the weight and size of the gate and the necessary pull to be applied to the actuating levers 18. It will be appreciated from this construction that a pull downward on either one of the levers 18, when the gate is in its lowered position, will cause said gate to be swung upwardly and inwardly and when the same has reached a position so that the' weight is greater on the opposite side of the bearings said gate will drop downwardly to be completely disposed on the opposite side of the hinge posts. A stump or plug is mounted in the surface of the ground just beyond the hinge posts and in alinement with the stop post 3 to receive thereon the inner end bar or bars of the gate when the latter is raised and opened. This prevents the gate from being clogged when the irons 5 said gate will be well disposed within and beyond the hinge posts when said gate is raised. In this manner a wagon desiring to pass through the gate-way will obtain'full width of the latter to its benefit and there will be no possible obstruction therein. Furthermore it will be seen that in view of the spacing of the eyes of the bolts 9 beyond the edges of the hinge posts and the spacing of the stop post 3 beyond the outer end bar of the gate, the gate-way will be greatly increased in size for the benefit of wagons desiring to pass therethrough when the gate is raised. After the gate has been raised and is received on the stump or plug 33 and the wagon has passed through the gate-way to the opposite side of the fence, the occupant of the wagon or other vehicle may actuate the lever on the opposite side of the gate-way. This actuation will obviously cause the gate to be lowered. I have provided means in connection with this raising and lowering means for also actuating the latch member so that said latch member may be disposed to its ineffective position when the levers are actuated. To this end a pair of rods or wires 34 are provided which are loosely engaged with a link or the like 35 carried on the upper engaging end of the spring latch member. This link is looped around the outer end bar of the gate and projects inwardly with respect thereto so that the wires or rods 34 are disposed within the space covered by the marginal bars of the gate. The opposite ends of said wires or rods 34- are hooked as at 36 for adjustable engagement withthe links of additional chains 37. These chains are engaged also with the lower ends of the rods or wires 28. It will thus be seen that when said rods or wires 28 are actuated by the actuation of the levers 18 the wires or rods 34 will. also be drawn to release the latch member from its effective position and permit the gate to be raised. In view of the connection between the rods or wires 84 and the chains 37 adjustment may be had therebetween according to the tension desired to be placed on the spring latch member.

From the foregoing description of the construction of my improved device, the manner of applying the same to use, and the operation thereof will be readily understood and it will be seen that 1 have provided a simple, inexpensive and eflicient means for carrying out the objects of the invention.

lVhile I have particularly described the elements best adapted to perform the functions set forth, it is obvious that various changes in form, proportion and in the minor details of construction may be revention.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new is:

1. In a farm gate, a pair of spaced apart hinge posts, bearing members carried on the lower portions thereof, a gate, trunnions projecting laterally from the lower inner end of said gate and received in said bearing members, said trunnions being in clined downwardly toward their outer ends to normally dispose the lower portion of the gate above the plane of said bearing members, and means for raising and lowering said gate.

2. In a farm gate, a pair of spaced apart hinge posts, bearing members carried by the lower portions of said posts, a gate, bracing bars applied diagonally oi the inner end portion of said gate, laterally extending trunnions carried by the lower portions of said bracing bars and operatively mounted in said bearing members, said trunnions being formed integrally with said bracing bars and inclined downwardly toward their outer ends to normally dispose the lower bar of the gate above the horizontal plane of said bearing members, and means for raising and lowering said gate.

3. In a farm gate, a pair of spaced apart hinge posts, bearing members mounted at the lower portions thereof, a gate, bracing bars applied diagonally oi the inner end portion of said gate, the lower portions of said bars terminating at the lower inner end of the gate and secured thereto, the terminals of said bars being projected outwardly and downwardly to form trunnions, said trunnions being operatively received in the aforesaid bearing members, and means for raising and lowering said gate.

4. In a farm gate, a pair of spaced apart hinge posts, bearing members mounted at the lower portions thereof and capable of longitudinal adjustment, a gate, a pair of diagonal bracing bars applied to opposite faces of the inner end portion of said gate and secured at their upper ends to the upper part of the gate at a point spaced from its rear end, the lower portions of said bars terminating at the lower inner end of said gate and secured thereto and bent outwardly and downwardly to form trunnions, said trunnions being operatively received in said bearing members, and means for raising and lowering said gate.

5. In a vertically swinging farm gate the combination with a pair of laterally spaced hinge posts having bearings therein, of a gate having diagonal bracing bars applied to its rear end and secured to the top and bottom thereof, trunnions carried by the lower portions of said bracing bars and operatively engaged with said bearings, a clamp adj ustably mounted on the lower bar of said gate, flexible elements connected with said clamp and with the lower ends of said bracing bars, hooks connected with said flexible elements intermediate their ends and extending in upright position, operating levers supported on opposite sides of said gate and in a plane above the gate, and elements connecting said operating levers and said hooks.

6. A combined gate brace and hinge comprising two members each having one end extending longitudinally at an obtuse angle thereto, means for removably securing said ends together and to a gate, the other ends of said members beingextended laterally outward in opposite directions and downwardly to form trunnions for the gate to which they are to be applied.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ZAOHARIAH F. JONES. Witnesses J. A. GRInsBAUnn, C. GIOVANNETTI.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

